Pill-box-making machine.



F. GRAEBER.

PILL BOX MAKING MACHINE.

APPLICATION HLfD MAR. 6. 1913.

Patented Feb. 15, 1916.

8 SHEETS-SHEEI l.

INVENTOR THE COLUMBIA Punomurn 00., v/Asnma'rorl, 0. c.

F. GRAEBER.

PILL BOX MAKING MACHINE.

APPLICATION HLED MAR-6.19l3.

1,171,515. Patented Feb. 15, 1916.

8 SHEETS-*SHEET 2- [N VEN TOR THE COLUMBIA PLAr oukAPfl c0., WASHINGTON. D. c.

F. GRAEBER.

PILL BOX MAKING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 6, 1913.

Patented Feb. 15, 1916.

8 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

WITNESSES 3 (an :rljENTUI/P Allarnzy THB COLUMBIA mm 50-. WASHING'IUN. D. C.

F. GRAEBER.

PILL BOX MAKING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 6, 1913.

1,171 ,5 15. Patented Feb. 15, 1916.

8 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

WITNESSES/0M m INVENTOR M4 A? 'll'lB COLUMBIA PuwMIAPl-l :0" WASHINGTON, n. c.

F. GRAEBER.

Patented Feb. 15, 1916.

8 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

gal?

WITNESSES VEN TOR m gag as; Attorney THB COLUMBIA PLANOGRAPM .60., WASHINGTON, n. c.

' WITNESSES 0 [NVENTOR TH COLUMBIA PLANOORA ON D C F. GRAEBERI PILL'BOX MAKING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FRED IIAR- 6. I9I3.

1,171,515. Patented Feb.1 916.

8 SHEETS-4 6.

A llo mey F. GRAEBER.

PILL BOX MAKING MACHINE.

8 SHEETS-SHEET 7.

Patented Feb. 15,

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 6,1913.

W 5% g I Allo rney THE COLUMBIA PLANOORAPH C0. WASHINGTON, D. c.

F. GRAEBER.

PILL BOX MAKING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 6. 1913. 11715 15. Patented Feb. 15, 1916.

8 SHEETSSHEET 8 THE COLUMBIA PUNOGRAPH cov, wAsmNG'roN, D. C.

UNXTED STA FIG FRANK 'GRA'EBER, 0 NGRRISTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA, A'SSIGNGR T0 GEORGE W. PLUMLY COMPANY, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, A LGGRPORATION OF PENNSYLVANIA.

PIIJJ-BOX-MAKING MACHINE.

Application filed March 6, 1 913.

To all whom it may concern:

*Be it known that I, FRANK GnAnnEn, a citizen of the United States, residing at Norristown, in the county of Montgomery and State of Pennsylvania, have invented new and useful Improvements in Pill-Box- Making Machines, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to improvements in machines for forming and covering box elements, and particularly boxes of a shallow nature, such as are used and commonly known as pil'l boxes.

Among the objects of my invention are (1). To provide a. machine in which the blanks are formed, assembled and covered in a substantially automatic manner. To provide a machine for this punpose in which the bottom blank is formed and positioned by the machine, carried to a covering position, the carrier receiving-the rim blank before reaching such position, both blanks automatically removed from the-carrier and covered and then returned to the carrier and discharged therefrom as a completed box element. To provide mechanism for this purpose in which an extended portion of the strip is brought into contact with the blanks before the latter are rotated to apply the strip to prevent lost motion between strip and blank, restrict the iengtli of the strip, and insure of an accurate positioning of the strip. (4). To provide mechanism in which the box blanks are given rotation at different speeds during the strip applying operation. To provideamechanism in which the pressures placed upon the blanks will 'be yieldable. (6). To pro vide a mechanism in which a box will be completed during each cycle of operations of the machine elements.

Other and further objects of the invention are to provide a construction which is simple and efficient in operation, durable in construction, and which can be manufactured at a comparatively low cost.

To these and other ends, the nature of which will be readily understood as the in vention is hereinafter disclosed. said invention consists in the improved construction and combination of parts hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and more particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

In the accompanying drawings, in which Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented. Feb. 15, 1916.

Serial No. 752,450.

similar reference characters indicate similar parts in each of the views, Figure l is a top plan view of a machine constructed in accordance with my invention. Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the same, partly in section. Fig. 3 is an end view looking from the right in Fig. 1. Fig. 4: is a detail view showing the mechanism employed in giving the step by step movement to the carrier. Fig. 5 is a detail View, partly in elevation and partly in section, showing the upper and lower mandrels. Fig. 6 is a plan view of the carrier disk. Fig. 6 is a longitudinal sectional v iewof the same. Fig. 7 is a detail view of the mutilated gear employed for rotating the upper mandrel. Fig. 8 is a detail view of the cam employed in actuating the pressure applying roll. Fig. 9 is a detail view showing the cam for operating the strip weakening device. Fig. 10 is a detail view of the mechanism 'for providing the step by step movement to the strip feeding ro'll. Fig. 11 is a detail view of the actuating mechanism for providing the step by step movement to the bottom blank strip. Fig. 12 is a detail View showing the mechanisms employed in feeding the strip to the box blanks, the means for weakening the strip at intervals, and the means for applying the strip to the blanks. Fig. 13 is a detail view of the mechanism for actuating the strip weakening device. Fig. 14 is a detail view of a block employed in the strip weakening mechanism. Fig. 15 is a detail sectional view of the adjacent portions of the upper and lower mandrels and the parts ofthe' pressure applying and tuck ing in mechanism adjacent thereto, said view being on an enlarged scale compared with Fig. 5. Fig. 16 is a detail view of the structure for cutting the bottom blanks. Fig. 17 is a detail view of the mechanism for feeding the bot-tom blank strip. Figs. 18 and 19 are top and side elevations respectively of the adhesive applying means for the strip, said views showing the manner in which the compound strip is formed.

The machine herein disclosed, in producing the commercial box, embodies a number of devices correlated as to operation to provide a succession of actions which combinedly produce the complete boX element during one cycle of operations. For the purpose. of more clearly explaining the parts, 1 will at this point give a statement of the successive operations and their effect on the box element parts.

The box element to be formed is either the top or the bottom portion of what is commonly known as a pill box, comprising a flat disk and an annulus to be secured thereto, the whole being covered by a strip which acts to secure the annulus to the disk. The top and bottom elements of the box are secured together by telescoping the annulus of the bottom within that of the top or vice versa, and the present apparatus may be employed for producing either element. However, for the purpose of disclosing the invention, it is assumed that the bottom ele ment is being formed.

The successive operations employed for the purpose of producing the element are first to stamp out the disk forming the bottom and positioning this disk within a carrier which is movable to place the disk in position for the covering operation, the carrier receiving the annulus or rim in suitable manner while traveling to the covering mechanism. When the disk and the rim reach the proper position, these parts are first positioned one relative to the other in the positions which they assume in the completed element, this action being provided by suitable m-andrels, after Which the two parts are raised out of the carrier to expose the periphery of the rim and disk, and placed in position Where a covering strip can be applied. In this position the Strip is moved into contact with the periphery of the exposed parts of the element and the ele ments rotated causing the strip to adhere to the periphery and project above and below the top and bottom of the element. Forming rollers are then brought into position and the mandrel given further move ments thus firmly securing the covering in position on the periphery and at the same time bending the projecting edges inwardly; the rolls are then withdrawn and the tucking-in element brought into operation, said element acting to tuck the top projecting edge into the inner periphery of the rim, this action taking place while the element is being rotated by the mandrel. The covered element is then returned to its position within the carrier, one of the mandrels, during this movement, positioning the pro jecting edge at the bottom and securing it in place. Upon return of the box element to its position in the carrier, the mandrels are Withdrawn and the carrier moved so as to place the completely covered box element in the path of an ejecting mechanism which has the effect of discharging the element from the carrier into a chute.

The covering is provided by strips of paper which are adhesively connected together and which have the inner faces provided with an adhesive coating by means of which the strip can be secured; this strip is introduced into the mechanism in th form of a continuous strip and at a point Within its travel prior to reaching the box element, is subjected to the action of a cutter which acts to weaken the strip on a line corresponding to t. e line of severance of the strip, this severance taking place at the time the strip is placed in covering position on the box element.

With this general statement of the suc cessive operations, I will proceed to describe the construction of a preferred embodiment of a machine for producing this result.

25 designates a suitable frame having a bed 25*, legs 25", and cross pieces 25, the latter carrying bearings for a shaft 26 which provides the drive for the machine, said shaft, if desired, having a suitable arrangement for coupling the shaft to the power.

The shaft 26 extends horizontally and is provided with a bevel gear 26*, the latter meshing with a complemental gear 27", mounted on a shaft 27 extending vertically. the shaft 26 being located below the bed 25, while shaft 27 projects through and above said bed; these shafts carry the various cams for operating the devices to produce the successive operations. These devices will be described in the order of their operation as indicated above.

28 designates a disk mounted to rotate on a vertical axis above the bed 25*, said disk being provided with a plurality of openings 28 arranged in spaced apart relation on a concentric line, these openings being adjacent the outer periphery of the disk, the spacing of the openings being equidistant, said openings being preferably of circular contour and of a size to receive the disk of the box element. The disk 28 lies on top of the bed 25, so that the latter normally acts as a bottom for the openings.

The disk 28 is adapted to be moved intermittently in a rotary direction, the movement being such as to place the openings successively in position to receive the disk and to position the assembled parts in position to be acted upon by the covering mechanism. To provide this movement, I preferably employ a suitable dog adapted to engage in notches 28 on the periphery of the disk, said dog, indicated at 29, having a nose 29 and being mounted on a vertical shaft 29 extending through the bed 25*, said shaft having its lower end mounted on a slide 29 carried in guides 29 provided therefor on the under face of the bed. The movements of the dog to advance the disk 28 and then return to normal position, are provided by a cam 29 mounted on the shaft 27, the connections being by means of a bar 29 carrying rollers adapted to travel on the cam face, said bar being slotted to embrace the shaft 27 and at the same t p cate in the action of the cam. The opposite end of the bar 29 connected'to the outer end of an arm 29- carried by the shaft 29 thus placing the reciprocations of the bar 29 0n the slide to reciprocate the slide in its guide and at the same time move the nose 29 within one of the notches 28 of disk and retain it therein during the ad- 'ancing movement of the disk, the return movement of the bar 29 acting, through the leverage disclosed, to release the dog from its notch before returning the dog to its normal position. To prevent the dog from moving an excessive distance on its axis, I provide a curved arm 29 with the inner face of which a roller 29 carried by the dog contacts during the return movement of the bar 29, thus enabling the slide 29 to be returned to normal position and at the same time provide the pressure on the dog desired to retain the nose 29 in engagement with the disk during the advance movement of the parts.

30 designates a plate mounted on the bed 25 with its inner portion projecting over the top of the disk 28. said disk moving between the bed and the under face of said plate 30. Said plate is provided with an opening 30 positioned to be axially alined with an opening 1 .8 when the disk is at rest, the opening 30 being adapted to receive a die plate 30 in the form of an annulus, the central opening of which corresponds to the size and peripheral configuration of the disk which forms the bottom of the completed box element. Mounted in a suitable bracket 30 is a slide 30 adapted to reciprocate in a vertical direction by means of an eccentric 30 mounted on the shaft 26, a pitn'ian 30 serving to connect the eccentric with the slide. Said slide 3 carries a clamping device 30 for a plunor punch 30. the latter being adapted to substantially lit the interior of the die plate 30. The lower face of the plunger is normally located above and spaced from the top of the die plate 30", the space between said die plate and plunger being adapted to receive a strip of suitable material such as cardboard from which the bottoms are to be punched or cut. To provide for a smooth punching operation, the upper face of the die plate is preferably formed with inclined faces as indicated in 16.

The strip of material from which the bottoms are punched and which is indicated at 31, is preferably carried by a reel 31*. the latter being of suitable construction and carried by a bracket 31 mounted on the bed of the machine.

For the purpose of feeding the strip 3t to the punching niechanisn'n I emplov rollers and 32, the former having its axis located below the bed and the latter above the bed, the roller 22 projecting above the bed through an opening formed therein for the purpose. The roller 32* is mounted on a spindle 82", Fig. 17, projecting from the end of a shaft 32, said shaft being mounted in suitable bearings 32 the spindle being located eccentrically of the end of the shaft in order that a pivotal movement of the latter will act to shift the axis of the roller 3 The shaft 32 is provided with a lateral arm 3552 the free end of which carries one end of a spring 32 the opposite end of which is connected to the bed 25 This particular arrangement provides for a yielding of the roller 32, the purpose of which is to prevent excessive pressure being placed on the strip and to accommodate for different thicknesses of the strip, it being readily understood that the introduction of the strip between the rollers will cause the roller 32 to be moved away from the roller 32 without affecting the mounting of this roller on the spindle. the latter moving and providing a slight rotative movement to the shaft against the tension of the spring 32 The feeding movement of the rollers 32 and 32" is i ovided by moving the roller and since the strip must obviously be moved intermittently to permit the punching operation. the roller is given an intermittent mction. this motion being provided by an eccentric 32? mounted on the shaft 26, said eccentric being adapted to provide a reciprocating movement to a pitnian 32* connected to an arm 32 having its opposite end connected to the shaft 32 of the roller h'lrunted in said shaft 32 is a toothed member 32 and mounted on the pivot of the connect 1 of pitnian 32 ith arm is a pa 32 normally held in engagement with the face of the member 322 by spring 32, this particular structure of operating mech anism being shown in detail in Fig. 11.

is will be readily understood a single revolution of the sha t 26 will provide an advance and a return movement of the pitman 32. this movement of the pitman causing the pawl 32 to advance the member 32* the distance of one tooth. thereby moving the strip a distance sutlicicnt to carry the punched portion out of the punching device and placing another portion of the strip in position therein.

The eccentrics 30 and and the cam :29 are timed so as to provide for a movement of the disk to position its opening 28 beneath the opening 30. a feed of the strip Lil to position on im wrforate portion beneath the plunger 3t). and while the disk at rest. a depression of said plui'iger for the purpose of punching the bottom from the strip and placing the bottom practica ly at the lower end of the opening 225 just above the top of the bed 3 it will be understood that as the successive openings 28 are brought into position with lie respect to the plunger 30, a bottom will be placed therein. the movements of the disk gradually carrying the openings around to a prsition where the box element is covered. in the drawings, the latter position is shown as diametrically opposite from the punching position, but it will be obvious that this particular point is not material, as the covering mechanism may be located at any suitable point in the travel of the disk with the exception ot a point closely adjacent to the punching mechanism in the direction of disk travel. The reason torthis latter is that it nece sary to insert the rims within the openings 2H. and this must be done before the opening reaches the pcsition in which it operated upon to provide the covering oper ation.

The rims a e pro-formed and can be inserted within the opening in any suitable manner. No meehanisn'i is shown in the drawings for this purpose, the rims being placed in position manually. However, constructions for depositing ring-like parts at a predetermined position are well known and the positioning cl a device of such type so as to deposit a rim within an opening 28 he'i'ore the latter reaches the covering position. can be readily provided.

As indicated. the intermittent movement of the disk or carrier 28 places an opening in :Cxlfil alincment with the covering mechanism and as the box elements {the bottom and rim} cannot be covered while within the opening 98*, these elements are raised out oi" the openin s. and the mechanism for so positioning the elements will now be described.

33 designates the lower mandrel. and comprises a s eeve 3 mounted on a head 33",

the latter lwirg a'n'ied by a stem 39 having at its lower end a roll 39% which is adapted to travel on the face of a cam 33 carried by the shaft '26, s: d sleeve and head being axially alined. th sleeve being movable longitudinally relatively to the head as presently exi ilained. but having a fit thereon sui'l'icient to cause the slew e to act as a guide. tor the head. the sleeve having a shoulder 32-3 which is adapted to contact with the under face oi tne head, being normally held in contact therewith by a spring 33* located between the lower face it the sleeve and a collar 33 mounted on the stem 33 and adjusta le longhnlinally ct the stem. lhe per tare t e head preterabh proied with a ay 31; adapted to receive anthiriction devices 33 and mounted on *tiiti device a plate 33 having a stem 33 adapted to extend into a recess 33" formed in the head. this particular construction permitting a rotation of the plate 33* with the stem an axis.

The sleeve and head are of such relative length that w ien the shoulder 33 is in contact with the head, the upper face of the sleeve is substantially on the plane of the upper face of the plate 33*; these parts are adapted to reciprocate through an opening formed in the bed 25 and the normal position of such top plane of plate and sleeve is in the plane of the top of the bed, or just below such plane, thus permitting the disk to travel over the top of the mandrel when the latter is in normal position, said sleeve and head. however, being movable into and through the opening 28 which is axially alined therewith, such movement placing the bottom blank on top of the plate.

In view of the fact that it is newssar; that the covering strip extend over the edge of the bottom blank, the movement of the sleeve is controlled so as to provide an annular space around the plate 23% when the lower mandrel is in raised position. this being provided by forming a shoulder 33*" on the outer periphery of the sleeve, said shoulder being adapted to abut against the under face of the bed prior to the time the mandrel reaches its upper extreme of mm enient, the result being that when contact ot the shoulder is had with the head. the further move ment of the mandrel will cause the head to continue to move in the same direction and thus project the plate 3 5 abo e the top of the sleeve, this action increasing the compression of the spring 33 and insuring that the roller is maintained in contact with the fa e of the cam. If desired. suitable means may be provided for preventing a turning oi the stem 33 on its axis, the drawings disclosing the use of a pin and slot connection, the stem hairy slotted to receive a pin 33 carried by a bracket 33" which acts to guide the s m.

lhe upper mandrel structure conipri A plurality of elements whi h m ant in the box covering operation with other elements presently described, said mandrel including ele ments which coi perate with the lower mandrel just described in positioning the box blanks to be acted upon by the covering mechanism. and at this point l will des these cooperating elements.

34 designates a bracket arin projecting from the top of the bed 25 and provided with alined bearings til and I l spaced apart with their axes in alinement with the axis of the lower mandrel. said lwarings be ing adapted to receive a reciprocating incurber 35 which forms the l-ouy portion at the upper mandrel. being in the torn; oi a siiailt 33 having its lower end in the form ol :2" enlarged head 35. The shaft and head are provided with an axial 33" which is adapted to receive the stem or shanh i-li' ot a holding member, said member being adapt ed to reciprocate in said reccs. the length of reciprocation being controlled by means of a pin 35 carried by the stem 35 and pro jecting into a slot formed in the body portion As seen in Fig. .3, the stem 35 does not project to the bottom of the recess 35, and mounted within the space between the bottom of the slot and the end of the stem is a Spring said spring normally tending to retain the member in its lower position with the pin 35 in contact with the bottom of the slot 35, said spring permitting a yielding 'movement of the member upon applicationf pressure to the outer end of the member within the limits of the movement permitted by the pin and slot connection referred to; said spring acting to return the member to normal position when the pressure is released.

The lower end of the member is in the form of an enlarged head 3-3", said head haring its upper face cone SllzlpG'l'l. as at 379, said cone surface being adapted to cooperate with the lower inclined surfaces 33 of a series of fingers carried by the head 35' said fingers having their loner ends provided with outwardly extending ll; nges and having the inclined surfaces as the lower face of an inwardly projecting portion or lug 33, said inner faces. when the position of the head 35 permits, passing into the space above said heaththe stem :31)" being reduced in size above said head to permit the movement of the lingers as presently described The fingers 35 are spaced aboutthe periphery of the head 3-3, being supported on the head by means of a collar 35 secured to the head, the connection being such that the fingers may have a slight rocking action on the collar, the upper ends of the fingers being beveled as at 31 to cooperate with the beveled face of a loose collar 3" mounted on the shaft 35. The structure of the fingers is such as to cause them to be relatively light in weight, and consc uently the weight of the collar 35)" is sullicient. when the lower ends of the fingers are free to move inwardly, to cause such inward movement ofthe fingers, this movement being permitted when the head is in such position that the inclined fa es 35 may more inwardly.

The shaft 35 is adapted to be reciprocated in the bearin ll" and H". and this reciprocation is provided in one direction through mechanism operated by a cam 36, and in the other direction by means of a spring 36 the ram being mounted upon the shaft 27. The r, iiections between the cam and the shaft include a bell crank lever Elli" pivoted on a bracket 31 which forms a bearing for the shaft 27. and one end of the lever is pro sided with a roller 36 adapted to cooperate the face of the can: 36. the opposite end of the lever being forked. as at 36". and tcd embrace a collar 36*" free to rotate relative the shaft said collar having pins adapted to enter recesses within the fo k 3G: the collar 36 is pre entcd from moving long'itudinall of the shaft 3 by suitable means such as collars 36 located above and below the collar 36 The spring connection with said shaft 35 is provided by means of a bar 36" pivotally supported at one end by straps 36 the opposite end of the bar being adapted to rest upon a ball 36 mounted upon the upper end of the-shaft the spring 36 having one end connected to said bar intermediate its ends with the other end of the spring connected to the bracket By this arrangement, the spring 36, which isprcferably duplicated on opposite sides of the bracket arm 3l,exerts a pressure on the upper end of the-shaft 35 and tends to move saidshaft downwardly wh-ile'the cam 36 and its connections tend to move the shaft upwardly against the'tension of said spring.

The upper and lower mandrel structure just described is'that which is employed in positioning the blanks for the covering operation, and this-positioning actionis substantially as follows: VVhen one of theope-nings-ZS is brought into axial alinement With the mandrels, at which timethe disk 28 is at rest, the shaft 35 is left down through the action of the spring 36 and the shape of the cam StL-until the bottom of the head 35" comes into contact with the top surface of the bottom blank, it being understood that the normal position of the parts of the upper mandrel is such that this lower face of the head 35' is located above the topplane'of the lisk 28, thus enabling the disk to have its movement thereunder. This contact ofthe head with the bottom. blank acts-to place said blank between the plate 33 and the bottom of the head 35*, these two parts practically clamping the disk in such position; since the rim blank is loose within the opening, it will be understood that should the bottom blank not be carried entirely to the bottom of the opening 28 by the punching mechanism, the rim blank will'fo'llowthe bottom blank when the latter is acted upon by the head 35. \Vhile this contact is made between the bottom of the head 35 and the bottom blank, the movement of the shaft 35 downwardly continues, and this has the effect of causing the head to rccede relatively to the fingers, the result being that while the flanges 35 were in position to enter the rim blank when the contact was first made between the head and bottom blank, the relative movement of head and fingers under the continued movement of the shaft 35 will cause the cooperating faces 235 and 35 to force the lower ends of the fingers outwardly, the result being that the outer faces of the flanges 35 contact with the inner periphery of said rim blank and position the blank relatively to the bottom and to firmly withstand the covering pressures. After this contact has been made and both blanks positioned, the upward n'ioyement of the lower mandrel takes place, this movement causing both mandrels to be moved upwardly to carry the positioned blanks out of the opening 28, the movements of the parts carrying the blanks into the plane of the mechanism for feeding and applying the covering strip. Before this point is reached, however, the sleeve 33 will have been held from continued movement, thus causing the bottom blank to be spaced above the top plane of the sleeve and supported in this position by the plate 33 and the parts of the upper mandrel heretofore described.

The return movement of the box takes place after the blanks have been covered, and this return movement will be explained at this point to complete the cycle of operations in the positioning of the box blanks and box.

After the blanks have been covered and if desired, just prior to the return movement of the box, the cam 36 becomes active to raise the shaft 35" a distance sutlicient to carry the lower ends of the fingers 35 upwardly thus releasing the engagement of the inclined faces and 35 sufficiently to permit the box to move under the return move- Il'lGIlt of the lower mandrel, the spring 35 acting to hold the head 35* in contact with the bottom of the box while the cam 33 permits the return movement of the lower mandrel. However, this releasing action may be deferred until the box has been re tu rned to position within the Opening without a tiecting the general operation.

\Vhen the lower mandrel has complete y receded, the box is in correct position within the opening 28 after which the parts are raised so as to entirely remove the upper mandrel from the plane of the opening and thereby permit the disk to rotate to posilion the next blank in position for action.

The covering strip preferably employed in connection with the boxes of this type is vari-colored, viZ., of at least two colors, the preferred colors being black and White, the black being of less width than the White and secured to the outer surface thereof in a manner to provide, in strip form, the appearance of a black stripe extending approximately centrally of the width of the white portion, the stripe running lengthwise of the strip. This combined strip is formed as needed, the following mechanism being employed for that purpose.

37 designates a pair of rods, one end being connected to the frame, the opposite end being connected to a suitable support 37. These rods are spaced apart and extend in the same horizontal plane, being of a length sufficient to provide for adjustability in the position of a pair of glue pots to be described. The support is provided with a pair of reels 37 and 37, the former being located at the upper end of the support,

o" similar material. the bottom reel carrying the white paper. These strips are adapted to be connected by adhesive, and for this purpose, the under surface of the black strip is passed through a glue pot 37, said pot being mounted upon a bracket 37 carried by and adjustable longitudinally of said rods. The glue pot is provided with a pair of rolls 37 located at the opposite ends of the pot and forming idlers against which the upper surface of the strip is adapted to contact in moving forward, and a roller 37* mounted intermediate the rolls37 and a dapted to have its periphery take up the adhesive from the pot, the underside of the strip traveling in contact with the coated surface of roller 37 by means of which said strip under surface is coated with the adhesive.

37 designates the glue pot for the white strip, the latter being located between the machine proper and the bracket 37, being secured in suitable members 37 adapted to be slidable on said rods 37 and provided with means for adjusting its position longitudinally of said reds. Said glue pot 37 s somewhat similar in structure to the pot 37, the main difference being in the width of the roller and rolls and particularly with respect to the width of the groove which is formed on the rolls, this difference in width being due to the difference in width of the strips, it being understood that the grooves of the rolls of the pot 37 are of a width to receive the black strip, while those of the pot 37" are adapted to receive the white strip, the walls forming the sides of the grooves acting as guides in carrying the strips over the adhesive applying rollers. The white strip is led direct from its reel to the first grooved roll of the pot 37 while the black strip is .7

first passed through its glue pot, as heretofore explained. and then led to the grooved roll of the white glue pot being positioned between the white strip and the bottom of the groove. In view of the fact that the grooved rolls of each of the pots act to retain the strip out of a straight line, it will be understood that under the pulling action presently described, sutlicient pressure is placed upon the black strip during the passage through the second glue pot to cause said strip to be firmly secured to the outer or upper face of the white strip, thus completing the formation of the strip.

The combined strip is led from the second glue pot to the periphery of a roller or heel 38 mounted to rotate on a vertical axis above the bed of the machine and substantially in the plane of the box blanks when the latter are raised to covering position as 45 strip at a point corresponding to the 55 these parts.

heretofore explained. it being understood that the strip will be given the necessary twist to change its plane from a horizontal to a vertical one in passing from the glue pot to the periphery of this wheel, the adhesive coated side of the strip being exposed. For the purpose of retaining the strip in position and also to act to feed the strip through the glue pots, I provide the pew riphery of the wheel 38 with a plurality of pins 38 these pins projecting outwardly in a. radial direction and being adapted to penetrate the strip and act to draw it along.

The roller or wheel 38 is moved intermittently. its movement taking place when the strip is to be fed toward the box. The wheel 38 is mounted on a vertical shaft 38" extending through the bed and having a toothed or notched disk 38 secured thereto;

said shaft also loosely carries an arm 38,

the free end of which is pivotally connected to a reciprocating member 39. the move ments of which are provided by a cam 38. said arm 38 and member 38 forming an element for supporting a pawl 38 which is pawl may be normally held in contact with the face of the disk in suitable manner as by a spring.

As will be understood. a complete rotation of the cam 38 will cause the pawl supporting element to have one complete movement forward and return. this movement having the effect of advancing the disk 38 the dis tance of one tooth. this distance corresponding to the feed of the strip a distance sutth 4o cient to provide for the covering of one box.

The strip is then led to the mechanism for applying it to the box blanks. but in passing to this mechanism. it is led past a cutting mechanism which acts to partially sever the desired length of the covering strip. this partial severing acting to weaken the strip at this point sutliciently to enable the cove ing mechanism. etc. to provide the actual once as presently described.

"he cutting mechanism is shown in the drawings as c mprising a block 35 secured -to the upper face of the bed. and a cutting mem' icr 39". the strip being led between The cutting member is mounted at the upper end of a shaft 39 extending through the bed of the machine. said membe being in the term ct an aim having its end extending latcrallv to provide a sharpnocncd edae 3%. the latter being adapted to c ntact'with the strip in opposition to the block 39. said block being provided with suitable means for preventing a complete severance ot the strip by the edge 39. one

form of means being indicated at 39 in the form of depressions. it being understood that while the edge 39 and the main portion of the block will have relative pressures suiticient to provide a cutting of the strip, the depressions in the block will permit parts of the strip to not be subjected to such pres sure. the result being that opposite these de pressions the strip will not be severed. This particular construction is simply an example, it being readily understood that other devices for weakening the strip at this point, may be employed as for instance the use of an edge 39 of a length less than the width of the strip: thus leaving the edges of the strip unsevered. ii

For providing the movements of the cuttlng member 3%. l mount on the shaft 39 a collar 39 said collar having an arm to which is connected the outer end of a pitman 39*. the latter carrying a roll 39 adapted to cooperate with the cam face of a cam 3!) mounted on the shaft A spring 3 acts to retain the roll 39 in contact with the cam and hence serves to return the knife to its normal inoperative position. the cam providing the pressure for severing the strip.

After passing the sea ering or cutting mechanism. the strip is led to the periphery of a wheel 40 'iivotally nuuntcd in an extcnsion 40 of an arm 40*. the latter being pivotally supported above the bed 25. Said arm also carries a roll it). said roll and the wheel 40 carrying a belt or band 42!) f suitable cross sectional configuration. and which may and preferably is formed of rubber in order that it may readily yield under the operations presently described. if desired. the cross sectional configuration of the belt or band 40 may be such as to provide a recess to receive the projecting portion of the bottom blank when the belt is brought into contact with the positioned blanks. it being understood that the peripheries of the wheel 40 and roll 40 will be arranged acci'u-dinglv. The extension 40 is adjustable pivotallv on the arm 40 in order to provide the desired tension on the belt. The combined strip is led on to the surface of this iitl'i. and passes beneath a spring th which acts as a holding means for the strip after it has been sever d. The arm 40" is adapted to be moved on its pivot in (infections to bring the strip mounted on the belt into contact with the periphery of the blanks, the latter having been moved by the mandrcls to the co. ering position. as heretofore explained, this movement of the arm being provided by a sprinn 40 which becomes ei i ectivc tor this pin iiosc when a cam 10 cooperat ng with a roll -10 reaches a position to pen h moven'ient of the arm. said cam acting to poeitivclv move the arm away trom the covering position. This arrangement causes the pressure which will be placed upon the periphery of he box blanks to be yielding. and if desired, the tension may be adjustable by suitably adjusting the tension of spring %0. The cam is so timed as to permit this action of the spring after the blanks have been placed in position, and to move the arm when the covering *trip has been placed in position on the blank, this latter operation being provided through asingle rotation of the mandrels presently described, this particular mechanism serving simply to place the covering strip in position on the ho); blank and when this action is completed the mechanism becomes inactive until the succeeding box blanks are placed in position the return movement of the arm serving to place a sutlicient strain on the weakened line of the strip to complete the severing operation, leaving the end of the strip in position where the succeeding advance movement of the arm will bring it into contact with the succeeding blanks. the spring retaining the strip in position while awaiting the succeeding oporation.

its heretofore pointed out the covering strip is of width greater than the exposed pc ipher of the box: blanks, the result being that when this strip applying opera tion is completed, the strip will be adhesivcly connected to the periphery of the blanks \vith the edge portions of the strip projecting abovr and below the top and hotii -M planes of the blanks, the sleeve eing held away from the top plane of the plate as heretofore explained. to permit of the lower edge extciniing in this manner.

I have heretofore referred to rotat ng the mandrcls during the strip a iplying operation just descri ed, this inovcri'ient ot the mandrels acting to feed the strip and to "1 to provide move the belt in the direct ch tending operation. This movement is provided through the operations ot mechanism carried respectively by the shaft 2? and shat't the latter having a gear '11. while the shal't 2T *arrics disk 41 having two racks 41* and "l". these ra ks bring lowated on di ti'ercnt vertical planes and operat iug at dill'cren'i' times. the i: 1 il being positioned to roi'ipi 2 with tie gear when the shalt 3 is raised, the rack p sitioned to preiide an engagement the I '11 when the mand e s are to be roio; :0 pin io e 0t dvin): the strip dig a length tn caus intialljfi a sie:. lll lii( ot the upper mandrel. the hearing sup port for the te 'ierinitting said plate to rotate with the iupper mandrel without aiiecting the position of the body portion oi the lower mandrel. The relative sizes of the rack etl and gear 41. are such as to provide a relatively slow rotation of the shaft The rack 41 is adapted to cooperate suirt:

with a pinion ll positioned above the gear ll, and the rack and ponion engagement takes place shortly after the completion of the single rotation of the shaft, this engagement acting to provide a more rapid rotation to the shaft, this rack being of a length to provide for more than a single rotation to the :shai't. ln practising the invention 1 have provided two complete rotations to the shaft through this particular engagen'ient with satisfactory results, and it is to be understood that i prerer to employ at least this number, the rotation provided by the di t erent engagements relerred to providing r0 tations to the shalt 35 at dill'erent speeds. This more rapid movement takes place dill" ing the pressure applying and tucking in op "-ations now to be described.

42 designates a bracket provided With a horizontal guide 42 within which is mounted a slide if, the outer end of which carries a Hanged roll t2", the distance between the flanges oi the roll being approximately the distance between the top and bottom planes oi the be); blanks, the roll preferably having an additional groove to receive the projecting ledge of the bottom blank. The roll 4 is adapted to be moved into and out of coutact with the strip covered periphery of the box blanks. The movement in one direction i'ivi'ivided th' nigh the llia 'lil'lli of a bell crank le er 12 adapted to be operated in one direction by a cam face of am 4:2 mounted n shaft 26, this being the return movement, the oppcsite movement being provided by a spring if, said spring becoming effective to move the roll into contact with the box when the cam face reaches a position to perinit the spring to act. this particular arrangement providing for a yielding pressure at the roll on the box blank. This roll is in contact with the face of the blanh when the shaft is given its second or rapid rotations, thus acting to effectively secure the strip to the box blanks and at the same time turn the edges inwardly so as to place them in posi tion to be secured. the flanges of the roller serving to turn these edges at substantially right angles to the plane of the rim periph- \"v'hen the roll has completed its operation and been withdrawn, the inturned strip edge at the top of the box blank tucked in and secured in position, this being provided by a r air ot sleeves 43 and 43 carried by the draft 35, the sleeve 4?) being mounted directly on the shaft and having an internal diameter approximating the internal diamcter of the rim blank (preferably slightly less). the sleeve 43 being mounted on the sleeve 43 and movable li'ingitudinally thereof, said sleeve 43 being supported by means of a pin 43" projecting from the sleeve *3 and entering a slot 43 carried by the sleeve 43. The sleeve 43 is provided with an arm 43 the upper end of which is connected to a slide 43 adapted to move vertically in guides 43 carried by bracket i2. said slide being adapted to be moved by means of a pitman l3 adapted to be actuated by a cam 43*.

During the latter part of the second rolative movements of the shaft and after the roll 42 has been withdrawn, the sleeve l3 is moved downwardly (the sleeve 4' a following this movement being loose on sleeve l3), this action placing the lower end of the slewe 43 on the top edge of the rim blank, said sleeve having a ccnliguration to permit this action to take place andl having an inner diameter approximating the internal diamcter of the rim blank. fhcn said sleeve 43* reaches the top, the contii-ued movement of the sleere it? provides a relative movement between the sleeves, the sleeve 43 passing below the top plane of the rim blank, thus turning the upper edge oi the strip {which had been turned in bv the roller l2) directly into and in contact with the inner face of the rim blank. the rotation of the shaft causing said sleeve ill to adhesively connect said edge interiorly oi the box while the sleeve l3 acts to secure the strip along the edge of the rim blank. The parts are returned to normal position after the turning in operation has been mmpleted. although the particular time when the return morement takes 'tlace may extend to the time when the manrels begin or are making their return moverents. the upward movement of the slide acting to carry the slee. e 43 upwardl until contact is had between the pin and upper end the slot, wh re pou both sleeves move in unison.

\tter the tucking in operation of the upper edge of st I is completed by the downward movement of the sleeve t?) and the rotation of the box blanks through the rotation of the shaft l r the mandrels begin their eturn movement. thi-- action causing the head ll?" ol the lUsYQl' mandrel to recede into the sleeve 332 until the shoulder 33 is arountercd by the lower face of the head, alter which both head and sleeve continue the downward or return movement in uni ltlllthe n r-ement oi the head 33*" causes it to rea ii the end of its indeoendent return movement. the upper face or the sleeve 33* wanes into contact with the turned in lower ralge ot' the strip and presses; such turned in tion llltl, contact with and adhesively seit to the bottom of the bottom blank,

thus completing the securing of the strip in p: sition as a covering tor the box blanks and i' nipleting the box element.

lloth the upper and lower mandrels relain 'h i'" holding contact with the bottom lox d ning the return movement of the box to the opening so that the box Will be properly positioned to readily enter within such opening. hen the lower mandrel has reached its normal position out of the plane of the disk 28, the upper mandrel is raised through the action of cam 36 until the bottom face of the head is p sitioned above the top plane oi the disk, the parts in this position ha ving the flanges 3;? in their inward position through the action of the collar Ill. The disk 28 is then given its advancing movement to carry the completed box element out of alincinent with the mandrels, this movement bringing the succeeding opening 28 into such alinenient, whereupon the box blanks in that opening are giv n the operations heretofore described for the purpose of covering the same.

is will be understood, the completed box when returned to position by the mandrels, lies within the planes of the disk For the purpose of removing the completed box element, I employ a suitable releasing or ejecting mechanism in the form of a plunger mounted to reciprocate vertically in a bracket ll" carried bv the bed of the machine, said plungn' having a loose connection with the outer end of a pivoted lever il the inner end of which is connect-2d to a rod ll" ha ring its lower end formed to be operated by an eccentric ll carried by the shalt 243. the eccentric being timed to der i "when the disk is at the plunger ii .12 1 an opening 28 directly below the bottom of the plunger. The bed is provided with an opening into or through which the comp eted box is carried by the depression of the plunger, a suitable chute ti being provided below the opening tor the purpose oi? receiving and possiblv transferring the completed box element to a suitable receptacle. This operation free the opening 21% leaving it unoccupied to receive the box blanks when the opening is moved to the proper position for receiving the blanks as heretofore pointed out.

It is believed that the description of the operation given above in connection with the rliil erent elements will cl airly indicate the operation of the machine as an entirety, it being understood that in the form shown in the drawin s the bottom punchingoperation for positioning a bottom blank in one opening takes place while the blanks within another opening are being mored to cover ing position, covered and returned to such position; and that during the same period of rest for the disk a completed box is being remoied from the disk. its a result. a completed box element is formed substantially at each advance movement of the disk. the cvcle of operations of the elements heretoiore described being completed during one such advance movement of the disk.

it will be understood that the onlv manual operation required, so far as the disclosure of the drawings is concerned, is that of placing the rim blank in position in the opening, and since this requires no expert labor, it will be readily understood that the operation as a nhoie is practically a m chanical one and requires little or no attention, thereby rendering the apparatus one which is adapted to ,irodwce the box element at a relatively lovv cost.

Attention is called to the tact that in each of the operations where pressure is being applied to the box blanks, the pressure is a yielding one being provided by a spring or its qr valent and thereby permitting a corn trol of the pressure tl'irough variations in tension or compression of the springs. For instance, the bottom blank is held in posi tion against ti 3 tension of spring and possibly 3"; the strip is applied under the pressure of spring lit; the pressure on the applied strip is provided by the spring 452; the pressure of the fingers 35 on the rim blank is the dil erence between the power of springs or and 36" in connection with the relative inclined faces of the lingers and the head 35; and the pressure applied in securing the loner of the strip to the bottom oil the box that of spring This particular arrangemei it prevents damage to the blanks although operated upon mechanically, permittin the employment of stock relatively light in Weight.

1 desire to call particular attention to several of the features hereinbefore explained. For instance, the free end of the strip ivhich is to be applied is so located on the strip applying belt that the movement of the bell to strip applying position places a considerable portion of this strip end in contact with the periphery of the box blanks; consequently there is a surety ol' the strip l'reing dravvn forward during the rotation of the mandrel by reason of the extensive surface connection ol this strip end, and as a result, l am able to provide little or no overlap of the strip on the box, furthermore, there is practically no liability of lost motion between the strip and box blanks during: the rotation of the mandrels. ln this connection I desire to call attention to the use of the belt in the strip applying operation, this arrangement permitting a considerable surface of the belt to be brought into contact with the periphery of the blanks, a result not obtainable by the use oil a wheel or slide, at the same time providing for the extended initial contact of strip and blank.

Another feature of importance is the rotation of the shaft at intervals and at different speeds, the first speed being relatively slow and employed during the stripapplying operation, thus placing no undue strain on the strip and at the same time insuring that the latter will be properly positioned on the box blanks; the relatively rapid rotation of the mandrels with the number of rotations given to it which succeeds the relatively slow movement, prorides not only for clhciency in operation, but also insures the application of an equal pressure and Without liability of atlecting the blanks, the operation being rapidly performed so that the adhesive connection will be properly made before the adhesive has had an opportunity of becoming hardened, the result being the elimination of any liability of forming blisters, etc., in the strip.

()ther features are the ability to provide a relatively compact structure and at the same time produce a maximum output.

\Vhile 1 have herein shown and described a preterred embodiment of the invention, it will. be readily understood that changes and modifications therein may be required or desired to meet the exigencies of use, and I therefore desire it to be understood that I reserve the right to make any and all such changes and modifications as may be found desirable or necessary, in so far as the same may fall within the spirit or scope of the invention as expressed in the accompanying claims.

llaving thus described my invention what I claim as new is:

l. in a machine of the class described, a blank carrier adapted to receive disconnected blanks, means for positioning the blanks relatize to each other while within the carrier, means for temporarily withdrawing the po --:itioned blanks from the carrier, and means for covering and securing the blanks together while temporarily withdrawn.

2. in a machine of the class described, a blank carrier adapted to receive disconnected blanks, means for positioniim the blanl-rs relatiie to each other while Within the carrier, means for temporarily withdrawing the positioned blanks from the carrier, means tor covering and securing the blanks together while temporarily \vithd'avvn, and means for automatically removing the complcted blank from the carrier after the latter has been returned to its position therein.

In a machine oil the class described, a blank carrier intermittently movable on a vertical axis to provide a path of travel to blanks, covering mechanism, said carrier moving the blanks to said covering mechanism, means for temporarily removing the blanks from the carrier to permit the covering operation and for returning the covered blank to the carrier, and means for removing the covered blank element from the carrier after it has been returned thereto.

l. In a machine of the class described. a blank carrier inte'mittently movable on vertical axis to provide a path of travel to blanks, covering mechanism, said carrier moving the blanks to said covering mechanism, means for temporarily removing the blanks from the carrier to permit the covering operation and for returning the cov ered blank to the carrier, means for removing the covered blank element from the carrier after it has been returned thereto, the covering operations and the removal of the covered blank from the carrier taking place at diflereni" points in the travel of the latter.

5. In a machine of the class described, an intermittently movable carrier, means for forming and positioning a blank elementwithin the carrier. covering mechanism spaced from said means to provide a travel of the carrier from said means to the covering mechanism to permit reception of a complemental blank element prior to reaching the covering mechanism, means for temporarily Withdrawing the blanks from the carrier to permit the covering mechanism to act thereon, said carrier acting to carry the covered blanks after being returned to position.

(i. In a machine of the class described, an intermittently movable carrier, means for forming and positioning a blank element within the carrier, covering mechanism spaced from said means to provide a travel of the carrier from said means to the co"- ering mechanism to permit reception of a complemental blank element prior to reaching the covering mechanism, means for temporarily withdrawing the blanks from the carrier to permit the covering mechanism to act thereon, said carrier acting to carry the covered blanks after being returned to position, means being provided for positioning the blank elements relative to each while within the carrier prior to the withdrawal movement.

7. In a machine of the class described, an intermittently movable carrier, means for forming and positioning a blank element within the carrier, covering mechanism spaced from said means to provide a travel of the carrier from said means to the covering mechanism to permit reception of a complemental blank element prior to reaching the covering mechanism, means for temporarily withdrawing the blanks from the car rier to permit the covering mechanism to act thereon, said carrier acting to carry the covered blanks after being returned to position, and means for removing the covered blanks from the carrier, said means and the covering mechanism being located at difl'erent points in the travel of the carrier.

8. In a machine of the class described, an intermittently movable carrier, means for forming and positioning a blank element within the carrier, covering mechanism spaced from said means to provide a travel of the carrier from said means to the covering mechanism to permit reception of a complemental blank element prior to reach ing the covering mechanism, means for temporarily withdrawing the blanks from the carrier to permit the covering mechanism to act thereon, said carrier acting to carry the covered blanks after being returned to position, means for removing the covered blanks from the carrier, said means and the covering mechanism being located at different points in the travel of the carrier, means being provided for positioning the blank elements relative to each while Within the carrier prior to the withdrawal movement.

9. In a machine of the class described, blank forming mechanism, covering mecha nism, a blank carrier common to both mech anisms and adapted to carry the blanks from the forming mechanism to the covering mechanism, and means for temporarily withdrawing the blanks from the carrier to a covering position within the covering mechanism and for returning the covered blank after the covering operation, the withdrawal and returning movements of the blank being in directions corresponding to the blank axis.

10. In a machine of the class described, covering mechanism, a blank carrier movable bcneath said mechanism, and means for temporarily withdrawing the blanks from the carrier and positioning them Within the covering mechanism, the blank being supported by said means on its upper and lower faces While withdrawn.

11. In a machine of the class described, covering mechanism, a blank carrier mov able beneath said mechanism, means for temporarily withdrawing the blanks from the carrier and positioning them within the covering mechanism, said latter means including opposing mandrcls and gripping fingers carried by one of the mandrels and opera tive upon axial movement of that mandrel.

1:2. In a machine of the class described, covering mechanism, a blank carrier movable beneath said mechanis'm, means for temporarily withdrawing the blanks from the carrier and positioning them within the covering mechanism, said latter means including opposing mandrels movable axiall in opposite directions to grip the blank. said mandrels moving in unison in the same direction to withdraw the blank after being gripped.

13. In a machine of the class described. covering mechanism. a blank carrier movable beneath said mechanism. means for temporarily withdrawing the blanks from the carrier and positioning them within the covering mechanism, said latter means ineluding opposing mandrels movable axially in opposite directions to grip the blank. said mandrcls moving in unison in the same direction to withdraw the blank after being gripped, one of said mandrels being yieldingly' supported during the latter movement.

14. In a machine of the class described, covering mechanism including a. pair of mandrels mo able axially to position the blanks within the covering mechanism, one of said mandrels being rotatable at different speeds after the blank has been positioned.

15. In a machine of the class described, covering mechanism including a pair of mandrels movable axially to position the blanks Within the covering mechanism. one of said mandrels being rotatable at diti erent speeds after the blank has been positioned, said rotative movements being successive.

16. In a machine of the class described, covering mechanism operating to apply a strip to a blank and including a pair of mandrels movable axially to position the blanks within the covering mechanism, one of said mandrels being rotatable at different speeds after the blank has been positioned, said rotative movements being successive, with the slower movement in advance and providing the strip-applying operation.

17. In a machine of the class described, covering mechanism operating to apply a strip to a blank with the strip smoothed out by pressure and tucked in. said mechanism including a pair of mandrels movable :ixiall to position the blanks within the covering mechanism, one of said mandrels being rotatable at different speeds after the blank has been positioned. said rotative movements bein successive, *ith the slower mo ement in advance and providing the strip-applying operation, the succeeding movement being relatively rapid to provide for the pressure applying and tnckingin operation on the strip.

18. In a machine of the class described, a blank carrier, opposing mandrels having relative movements to yieldingly clamp box elements, said mandrels being movable in unison in one direction into and out of said carrier to position said elements within strip-applying mechanism, the opposite movement of said mandrels returning the completed box to position within the carrier.

19. In a machine of the class described, a blank 'arrier, opposing mandrels having relative movements to vieldingly clamp box elements, said mandrels being n'iovablc in unison in one direction into and out of said carrier to position said elements within strip-applvinsz' mechanism. the opposite movement of said mandrels returning the completed box to position Within the carrier, and strip-applying mechanism operable when said mandrels are in strip applying position.

20. I11 a machine of the class described, a blank carrier, opposing mandrels having relative movements to yieldingly clamp box elements, said mandrels being movable in unison in one direction into and out of said carrier to position said elements within strip-applying mechanism, the opposite movement of said mandrels returning the completed box to position within the carrier, strip-applving mechanism operable when said mandrels are in strip-applying position, said mechanism including means for feeding the strip as it is being applied.

21. In a machine of the class described, a blank carrier, opposing mandrels having relative movements to vieldingly clamp box elements, said mandrels being movable in unison in one direction into and out 01 said carrier to position said elements Within strip-applying mechanism. the opposite movement of said mandrels returning the completed box to position within the carrier, stripapplying mechanism operable when mandrels are in strip-applying position, said mechanism including means for feeding the strip as it is being applied, and independent mechanism for partially severing the strip during periods of inactivity in the strip feed.

In a machine of the class described, opposing mandrels having relative movements to yieldinglv clamp box elements, said mandrels being movable in unison in one direction to position said elements within stripapplying mechanism, the opposite moven'ient of said mandrels returning the completed box to position, stripapplying :m-rhanism operable when said mandrels are in strip-applying position, said mechanism inrlnding means for feeding the strip as it is being applied, independent mechanism for partially severing the strip during periods ot' inactivity in the strip teed. said stripapplving mechanism being movable toward and from the box elements, the movement away from said elements acting to sever the s rip after it hi s been applied.

In a machine of the class described, a blank carrier. opposing mandrels having relative movements to yieldinglv clamp box elements, said mamlrels being movable in unison in one direction into and out of said carrier to withdrav. the blank elements from the carrier and position said elements within strip-applying mechanism, the stripapplying mechanism movable toward and from the clamped elements, and tucking-in mechanism operable While said elements are clamped.

24. In a machine of the class described, a blank carrier, opposing mandrels having relative movements to vieldingly clamp box elements, said mandrels being movable in unison in one direction into and out of said carrier to withdraw the blank elements from the carrier and position said elements Within said strip-applying mechanism, the stripapplying mechanism movable toward and 

